Vettri Payanam Scheme to Begin from October 2

The Tamil Nadu government is planning to expand the free bus travel scheme for women, and the expanded initiative has been named ‘Vettri Payanam’. The scheme is scheduled to come into effect from October 2, 2026.

Under the expanded scheme, women will be able to travel free of cost on 12,692 government buses operating across the state.

The buses covered under the scheme include express, LSS, deluxe and government buses operating in metropolitan and urban areas. The scheme will also cover ordinary suburban buses and ordinary buses operating in hilly areas for routes exceeding 40 kilometres.

The expansion is aimed at extending the availability of free bus travel for women across a wider range of government bus services.

Government Reviews Implementation

As part of preparations to implement the Vettri Payanam scheme, Chief Minister Vijay held discussions with senior officials from the Transport Department.

Transport Minister Parthiban, Chief Secretary Saikumar, Finance Department Secretary Siddiq, and Transport Department Secretary Nirmalraj were among those who participated in the meeting.

The officials discussed arrangements and measures required for implementing the expanded free bus travel scheme from October 2.

With the inclusion of various categories of government buses, the Vettri Payanam scheme is expected to expand the range of services available to women for free travel across Tamil Nadu.